Persistent inflammatory cytokine signature in long Covid-19 patients: a meta-analysis

Nov 22, 2025Inflammopharmacology

Ongoing inflammation signals in people with long Covid: a combined study analysis

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Abstract

A total of 33 studies involving 3294 patients were analyzed for cytokine levels in relation to post-acute sequelae of Covid-19 (PASC).

  • Higher levels of IL-6, IL-2, MCP-1/CCL2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IP-10/CXCL10 were found in Covid-19 patients with PASC compared to those without PASC.
  • No significant differences were observed for IL-1β, IL-7, IL-10, IL-4, IL-17A, IL-8, and IL-1α between the two patient groups.
  • Cytokine measurements indicated that IL-6, MCP-1/CCL2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ remained elevated in patients both less than and greater than 6 months post-infection.
  • IL-1β, IL-8, IP-10/CXCL10, IL-2, and IL-10 showed increased levels beyond 6 months after Covid-19 diagnosis.
  • Persistent elevation of inflammatory cytokines is associated with PASC, contributing to understanding the immune response related to chronic dysfunction post-Covid-19.

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Full Text

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